NafisaRangers may have secured a vital first-leg advantage over Jablonec, but Derek McInnes knows there is still plenty of work to do before his side can consider themselves ready for the challenges ahead.
The Light Blues edged the Czech side 1-0 at Ibrox on Thursday night, with Ryan Naderi’s second-half strike giving Rangers a narrow advantage in their Conference League play-off.
However, the performance exposed several areas that McInnes believes still need improving.
And with Rangers now having a rare weekend without a domestic fixture, attention has quickly turned towards the transfer market.
The Ibrox boss has made it clear that the club are actively working on new arrivals.
More importantly, he believes supporters could see fresh faces arriving very soon.
McInnes confirms Rangers are working on new signings
McInnes was asked about potential incomings following the Jablonec victory and admitted that Rangers are pursuing targets in several areas.
The manager insisted the club are not sitting still.
«“We’re trying in a few different areas to get the right players in, players with the right quality. We’ve been really focused on certain ones. I’m quite hopeful we can do one in the next few days.”»
That will immediately catch the attention of Rangers supporters.
The club have already made significant changes to the squad this summer, but McInnes clearly believes more quality is required before the transfer window closes.
And he knows exactly which area needs strengthening.
«“We do think that having that extra level of pace and quality and invention in the top end of the pitch is going to be massive for us to improve. If we can get that, I’m pretty confident we can.”»
That comment comes amid reports linking Rangers with Girona winger Kim Min-su.
Kim Min-su speculation gathers pace
Reports from Spain claim Rangers are prepared to make a substantial investment in the 20-year-old South Korean winger.
The youngster spent last season on loan with Andorra and has emerged as one of the names reportedly being considered by the Ibrox hierarchy.
A fee in the region of £8 million has been reported.
While Rangers have not publicly confirmed a deal for Min-su, McInnes’ comments about targeting more pace, invention and quality in attacking areas will inevitably fuel speculation.
The manager has also been linked with a potential reunion with Vaclav Cerny.
The Czech winger previously impressed during his time at Rangers and is currently with Besiktas.
With another wide player understood to be high on the club’s wishlist, supporters could be in for an interesting few days.
Rangers have a clear deadline in mind
The timing of McInnes’ comments is particularly significant.
Rangers have the weekend off before travelling to the Czech Republic for the second leg against Jablonec.
Any new signing arriving now would not be eligible to feature in that European fixture.
McInnes acknowledged that himself but insisted the club still wants additions before the next domestic fixture.
«“Obviously, anybody signing can’t play in the second leg. But I do feel before we go to Pittodrie a week on Sunday, we’d like to have a couple of additions in.”»
That is arguably the biggest takeaway from his entire update.
McInnes is not simply hoping for one more signing.
He wants a couple of additions before Rangers return to domestic action against Aberdeen.
The Rangers boss admits there is plenty to fix
The narrow win over Jablonec did little to hide some of Rangers’ weaknesses.
The first half was particularly disappointing, with the Ibrox crowd booing the team at the interval.
McInnes admitted he was surprised by aspects of what he saw.
«“There’s loads to work on. There’s a lot of stuff in the first half that surprised me that should be a lot better.”»
The manager believes his players became caught up in the occasion and lacked the maturity required to control the game.
«“I just thought we got caught up in the game, played the game a bit young, and we need to be better than we should be.”»
It is a blunt assessment, but it also explains why McInnes is pushing so hard for reinforcements.
The weekend gives Rangers breathing room
Rangers’ schedule has been relentless since the beginning of the season.
McInnes highlighted how frequently the team have been playing, with recovery often taking priority over meaningful work on the training pitch.
«“It’s been Thursday, Sunday, Sunday, Thursday, and we’ve had too much time to work on things. A lot of times we’re recovering, but we’re trying to take a breath.”»
The weekend break therefore provides a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff and recruitment department to work simultaneously.
McInnes plans to use the time to prepare for the return leg while the club continues negotiations in the transfer market.
«“The club are well aware of that, everybody’s trying hard.”»
And the manager warned that the players Rangers are now pursuing may be among the hardest deals to complete.
«“These ones are normally the more difficult ones to get, the ones where you’re paying a bigger ticket money.”»
But he believes the investment is necessary.
Rangers have taken a narrow advantage into the second leg, yet McInnes knows the squad must improve if they are going to compete consistently on multiple fronts.
For supporters, the next few days could therefore be just as important as Thursday night’s victory.
The manager has publicly confirmed that Rangers are pushing for reinforcements, particularly in attacking areas, and has expressed hope of completing a deal within days.
And if the reports surrounding Kim Min-su prove accurate, there could be a major new attacking arrival heading towards Ibrox sooner rather than later.
Nafisa
